Arman Tsarukyan wrapped up 2025 by claiming a title, although it wasn’t the one he initially aimed for. The Armenian MMA fighter was set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship in January but had to withdraw last minute due to a back injury. This withdrawal frustrated Tsarukyan, especially as UFC president Dana White has frequently emphasized that the top lightweight contender deserves another shot at the title. Despite this setback, Tsarukyan is trying to mend relations with White by taking on a backup fighter role for UFC 324.
Recently, Tsarukyan was passed over when the UFC arranged an interim lightweight title fight for UFC 324, scheduled for January 24th, where Paddy Pimblett will face Justin Gaethje for a secondary 155-pound championship. Rather than dwell on being overlooked, Tsarukyan has redirected his energy positively by winning the ACBJJ championship in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a last-second rear-naked choke submission against Mehdi Badulaev in Moscow. Although a near disqualification occurred due to a knee kick incident during the match, cooler heads prevailed, allowing the bout to finish normally.
Looking ahead to UFC 324, Tsarukyan is prepared to step in as a replacement if either Pimblett or Gaethje withdraws, remaining in prime condition and ready to fight on short notice. He expressed his commitment to maintaining his weight and fitness, sparring and training without injury, and delivering thrilling performances for the fans. After UFC 324, Tsarukyan plans to rest but remains mindful of the challenging path ahead.
Fan Take: This situation highlights the fierce competition and unpredictability within the UFC lightweight division, emphasizing the importance of resilience and readiness among top contenders like Tsarukyan. His willingness to stay prepared as a backup fighter shows dedication and could open doors for exciting opportunities, potentially reshaping the lightweight title landscape.
